The initial high-voltage tower, toppled by Hurricane Rafael in Artemisa, has finally been erected at the 32nd kilometer of the Havana-Pinar del Río highway. These towers, which were brought down on November 6, left Artemisa and Pinar del Río provinces without power. The new metal structure, towering at approximately 40 meters, is part of the 220 Kv Mariel-Pinar del Río line, crucial to the National Electric System (SEN).
According to a report from the weekly publication Trabajadores, assembly operations for the angular components and other accessories of the second tower are underway nearby. The work is being conducted by skilled workers and specialists from the Electrical Industry Construction Company (ECIE). Julio Rafael Jiménez García, the company's investment director, mentioned that preparations are being made for the crane that will erect the metal structure.
The expert emphasized that worker safety and quality control are priorities throughout the process. "The plan is to complete the hoisting of all six towers and to have the line energized within approximately 18 days," the report states.
Brigades from various regions, including Matanzas, Camagüey, Sancti Spíritus, Ciego de Ávila, Santiago de Cuba, Holguín, Pinar del Río, Villa Clara, Havana, and Artemisa itself, are involved in the effort. More than 10 days after the hurricane swept through western Cuba, only 51.69% of customers in Artemisa have regained electricity service.
Ongoing Efforts to Restore Power
The Ministry of Energy and Mines reports progress in repairing the primary circuit Güira 4kV-1, with expectations to improve electricity coverage in the area this Saturday. Fixing a fallen and broken high-voltage tower is a costly and intricate endeavor, requiring specialized equipment, specific tools, and a methodical approach.
The time and resources needed for repair or new construction depend on the extent of damage, site accessibility, and availability of materials and skilled personnel. After construction, safety tests are essential to ensure the structure and cables are properly installed, preventing short circuits before gradually restoring the electricity supply.